Asymmetric Michael addition mediated by novel cinchona alkaloid-derived bifunctional catalysts containing sulfonamides.

Novel cinchona alkaloid-derived bifunctional organocatalysts containing sulfonamide groups were utilized to promote Michael addition of bicyclic alpha-substituted beta-ketoesters to nitroolefins. The desired Michael adducts with all-carbon quaternary centers were constructed in high yield and with excellent enantioselectivity, demonstrating the great potential of cinchona alkaloid-derived sulfonamides in asymmetric catalysis.